Post by therockhugger on Sept 28, 2010 19:18:11 GMT -5

Where are the best places in the country to mine for your own minerals? I have so far been to AR, and did the quartz thing, and LOVED it. Nothing better then getting filthy dirty and finding shiney rocks IMO!

Post by ozonelair on Sept 28, 2010 20:37:35 GMT -5

There are a few places in NC, namely Hiddenite and Crab Tree mines, which offer some nice minerals, most notably emerald. Hiddenite gives you the option of sluicing, digging, etc.. whereas Crab Tree has mine dumps from what I understand. Planning a trip to Hiddenite in late October (last weekend).

Post by on Sept 29, 2010 8:14:26 GMT -5

I have a love hate relationship with the emerald hollow mine in hiddenite. You can for sure skip the slucing and creeking as all you will find is seeded material. The digging site is not very productive but there is at least a small chance of finding something native if you can be lucky enough to find a productive vein.

Post by Basketweaverz on Sept 29, 2010 12:24:02 GMT -5

Wherever you happen to be. Most everywhere is at least close to something to collect. I live in NW Washington and our collecting area extends throughout Oregon, Idaho, lower British Columbia as well as Washington State. Mostly igneous stuff due to our volcanic geology and all of it fun to collect.

Just got back from Northern Oregon yesterday. We collected jasper both in the field and at a friend's rockpile. Probably the last weekend dig of the year. Rain and snow in the mountains will be here before we know it. Didn't get too much work done on the jade mine this year, still dealing with the Forest Service to finalize the claim and trying to get better access to it.

Only when the last tree has died, the last river has been poisoned, and the last fish has been caught, will we realize that we can't eat money.

Post by on Oct 6, 2010 6:59:12 GMT -5

Look at mindat.org to get an idea of the minerals you can find and their localities...the best part of hounding for me is finding your own 'sweet spots'-I've had some small successes, but I'm sure the 'heavyweight' rockhounds on this board can offer clearer insight viz the 'how to's' of finding your own 'honey holes'-peace be the journey,

Post by turkeychefadam on Oct 7, 2010 19:29:28 GMT -5

sometime i go mining in my basement as my wife commands me to put more rocks on the "free wall" (if you come over to hang out you have to leave with rocks. usually D.H. that i shoulda left behind.) I usually end up bringing more stuff back in though. Basement mining is enviornmentaly acceptable and great on gas. It Is an ancient tradition dating back to the jaquoian period. yep Also, no I cant believe no one mentioned diamond hill. antreville, sc